With severe weather conditions threatening food supplies everywhere, this new research from the Philippines is more important than ever.

Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute are honing in on a gene found in Kasalath rice from India. The gene is called Phosphorous Starvation Tolerance-1, and scientists say that they can breed the gene into other forms of rice – boosting crop yields by 20%.

As scientist, Sigrid Heuer, says, “When we look at the young seedlings, we find that they have a little bit larger root system, at a very early developmental stage. And this enables plants to explore a larger area in the soil, to forage… more phosphorous. And this gives the plant, especially under phosphorous-deficient conditions… a growth advantage.”

Better yet, the addition of the phosphorous-boosting gene means that fertilizer isn’t as important. So this research could lead to lower production costs down the road, too.

Donald Trump ran a campaign on hyperbole and vagueness. Now as he prepares to take office, we take a closer look at his contradictory statements on science to make sense of the future of our favored industries.

It’s easy to dismiss celebrities and politicians as having hidden agendas. On the other hand, scientists that uncover cold, hard facts, deserve our respect for their endeavors. But respect is not worship.